Bermuda's taxi industry apart.

The disclosure came as rival airport operators traded more blows in a furious "price-gouging'' row.

Each accused the other of unfair competition, and fleecing arriving tourists.

But both slammed Government for failing to bring peace to the Civil Air Terminal.

In one camp are the dispatch companies, licensed to lay on pre-arranged transport for tourists.

In the other are the taxi drivers, waiting on the ranks for arriving passengers.

Yesterday Transport Minister the Hon. Ralph Marshall said a special Government committee could be formed to probe the embattled industry.

First, however, he wanted to scrutinise specific allegations of visitors being ripped off.

He vowed Government would continue reviewing airport procedures, and was not afraid of change.

"We want to ensure the airport operates smoothly and efficiently for all visitors and residents of the transportation industry.'' On Monday the newly-formed Licensed Dispatchers and Transportation Association went on the offensive.

It urged Government to enforce 1980 regulations requiring operators providing pre-arranged transport to have licenses.

Under the license, "dispatchers'' meeting visitors in the arrivals hall can hold up signs with the firm's name.

Association chairman Mr. Mike Fields called for an immediate crackdown on non-licensed operators.

He claimed some cabbies had special arrangements with hotels for pre-arranged transport.

This fell foul of Government's own regulations, he stressed.

Mr. Fields went on to accuse unlicensed operators of charging people triple-meter rates.

He also complained bitterly against congestion in the airport arrivals hall, leading to chaos.

Mr. Fields said the taxi industry had not been consulted in the final stages of designing the hall.

Yesterday, Mr. Lee Tucker, spokesman for the Bermuda Taxi Owners Union, delivered a strong rebuff to the LDTA.

He accused dispatch companies of "stealing'' business from cab drivers forced to wait on the ranks.

Not satisfied with just their pre-arranged custom, "dispatchers'' also solicited trade from other arriving passengers, Mr. Tucker claimed.

"There is a lot of friction between the groups, and it is the visitor which is suffering.

"It is very unfortunate that the Minister of Transport is not really on top of the problem.'' Mr. Tucker called for a system of independent "dispatchers'', who could direct arriving passengers.

These would stand by a central information desk, equipped with a public address system.

Yesterday Mr. Marshall rebutted claims the taxi industry had not been properly consulted over the design of the arrivals hall.

"The plans were designed and reviewed with all parties before construction began. By and large the improvements have been a success.'' Mr. Marshall said he had met with the LDTA to discuss "price-gouging'' claims.

He added he had called for a meeting with a special committee from the association to focus on specific allegations.

"On receipt of their allegations, consideration will be given to the appointment of a special committee to investigate and make recommendations.''